IT MAY have been a tough year for retail, with Andover losing many shops and businesses throughout 2023.

However, the town has also welcomed various new businesses to the high streets and shopping centres.

Here we take a look at some of the businesses that have opened in Andover in 2023.

Andover Advertiser: Some of the new businesses that opened in Andover in 2023

Cat-Fe

A cat cafe finally opened its doors in Andover in December at a very special grand opening despite facing a string of setbacks.

After past struggles with finding premises, Jack Waue and his father Stuart Waue opened the Cat-Fe at 2 Winchester Street, which was last used as the Andover Tap.

As previously reported, after being a finalist at the Youth in Test Valley Awards last year, Jack received mentorship from New Street Dental Care in Andover to open his own Cat-Fe.

The winner of the award, which was open to those aged between 14 and 18, was given £1,000 to start their own business and a 12-month mentorship.

Duck and Tipple

Following a huge refurbishment of a former nail salon and café in Andover, a new bar opened its doors in February.

Duck and Tipple opened in London Street on Friday, February 3, building on the success of the owners' first venue in Basingstoke.

The bar is serving freshly made cocktails and craft beers, along with burgers and boards, and bottomless brunch.

ARK Bar

Just before the start of the new year, ARK Bar opened in Andover offering live music acts and events.

After being made redundant, owner Jason Wyatt followed his dreams and opened The ARK Bar - ARK standing for a random act of kindness.

Since first opening in December, the bar has received amazing feedback and most importantly for Jason, become recognised as another safe place to go to in town for all ages.

Jason said: "The business hasn't been without its challenges, but that's all a part of it - things are definitely going in the right direction.”

Jiggaz

In September owner of Jiggaz Caribbean takeaway shop celebrated the launch of a new shop in Andover.

The new Andover branch of Jiggaz, in Station Approach, opened on Wednesday, September 27, and is the second Jiggaz takeaway to open.

Speaking about the new shop, owner Jaipaul Powell told the Advertiser: "There's a sense of accomplishment and there's also a sense of trepidation for the unknown.

"Even though we have had the Tidworth Jiggaz for three years, the economic climate has changed, the world has changed so it's still a bit daunting but you have to be optimistic, and I'm very optimistic."